Instagram, the photo and video-sharing platform owned by Meta Platforms, is shifting its emphasis toward short-form content, according to Adam Mosseri, the head of the app. This new direction reinforces the platform’s mission to foster connections between users while facilitating the exploration of their interests. While users are still able to upload long videos, Mosseri highlighted that the app will predominantly feature short video formats.
Short-form Content on Instagram
In response to a query about the future of long-form videos on Instagram, Mosseri shared a brief video on the platform stating “no,” accompanied by insights into the company’s strategic focus.
Mosseri articulated that Instagram serves two primary roles: connecting users with friends while also allowing them to delve into their interests. He noted that these functions are intricately linked. For instance, when users encounter a captivating short video, such as those featured in Instagram Reels, they are often inclined to share it with friends who share similar tastes.
This sharing behavior fosters connections while keeping users engaged with content from their social circles. However, Mosseri pointed out that long-form videos disrupt this engagement. “If you watch a 10- or 20-minute video, you see less content from friends, you interact with your friends less, and you’re actually less likely to send that content or that video to a friend,” he explained.
Consequently, Instagram has opted not to prioritize long-form videos, as they are believed to detract from the platform’s foundational identity, according to Mosseri.
It is worth noting that Instagram previously featured a dedicated long-form video service named IGTV, which launched in 2018 and allowed users to upload videos lasting up to an hour. However, this feature was phased out in 2022 as the company pivoted towards enhancing its support for Instagram Reels.
